Redskins rookie Robert Griffin III talks to USA TODAY Sports about life as an NFL quarterback, on and off the field. / Maxine Park, USA TODAY Sports

by Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports

by Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports

ASHBURN, Va. -- In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview that touched on his first concussion as a pro, the challenges of his overnight stardom and life as a professional quarterback on and off the field, NFL phenom Robert Griffin III told USA TODAY Sports that when he's on the field, "I like to think I am super out there and I can do things that normal people can't."

It's been a crash course for the rookie, who has the Washington Redskins faithful -- and the rest of the NFL -- convinced he is a superstar in the making.

And while the statistics support that optimism â?? he has passed for 1,601 yards and has completed more than 70% of his passes in seven games â?? Griffin isn't ready to call himself a successful pro, much less the franchise savior.

"Making it in the NFL is a huge accomplishment, but I haven't done that yet," he said. "Right now, it's up in the air."

Still, Griffin is certain of his ability, and sees himself as a superhero.

"People have called me Superman my whole life," he said. "In various sports, that seems to be the common theme. My favorite superhero is actually the Incredible Hulk. He's the only superhero that can't die. People might not know that. You want to feel like you're super out there.

"I don't picture myself as a normal person when I play football, and I don't think anyone else pictures me that way as well."

Griffin went on to describe his life off the field, the quirks of his cerebral head coach, Mike Shanahan, and the challenges of a personal life when you're RGIII.